Charity champions have ride idea to boost vital cancer fight

Bikers Dave Cotton, Ian Young and Dave Watson went the extra mile for charity in support of pal Graeme Ferry.

Chris Maxwell

Published:10:33Monday 13 July 2015

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Big-hearted bikers got revved up to raise funds for a vital cause.

Scores of motorcycle enthusiasts hit top gear to complete a 120-mile ride from Wearside to Penrith to boost the fight against cancer.

The idea came about over a beer - the charity was fantastic to us and i thought it was the least I could do.

Graeme Ferry

The Great North Classic Ride out – held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support – was organised by Whitburn dad-of-two Graeme Ferry, whose partner Cheryl Mullen lost a decade-long battle with the deadly disease at the age of just 47 in October 2013.

Mr Ferry, 51, was keen to bolster the fight against charity and devised a plan over a beer with some friends.

He said: “The idea came about over a beer.

“The charity was fantastic to us and I thought this was the least I could do.

“It was a great event and we had people rattling buckets on the day to raise funds and I set up a Just Giving Page.”

Online donations have already reached £390 – and Graeme expects the grand total to hit £1,000.

The event – which saw more than 70 bikers on vintage rides such as Triumphs and BSAs – ride from Penshaw monument in Sunderland to Hartside, before making a return journey to Washington.

Unfortunately Graeme, could only cheer on from the sidelines – after his trusty BMW R60 suffered an electrical fault before the event.

Graeme, who lives in Sea View Park, in Whitburn, with the couple’s children, Olivia and Tom, said: “Unfortunately, my own ride was scuppered by an electrical fault.

“It was disappointing but it was a great day and I am grateful to everyone who took part and donated money.”

People can still donate at www.justgiving.com/Greatnorthclassicrideout